Corner protectors and method for making same

ABSTRACT

The devices of the present invention comprise sturdy foldable, performed protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a corner, and methods for making the same. The methods and devices of the present invention comprise sturdy foldable, performed protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a corner, and methods for making the same.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 09/799,182, filed Mar. 5, 2001, which is acontinuation U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,955 B1, issued May 1, 2002, eachentitled “CORNER PROTECTORS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME.”

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] [Not Applicable]

[MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE]

[0003] [Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates generally to protective cornersand, more particularly, to protective corners to adhere to a corner of abook, poster, prospectus, folder, posted notice, or any document orthing prone to wear and tear or mutilation through normal use.

[0005] Books and paper documents, and virtually countless other paperand other products, have corners which can become worn, mutilated,unraveled, torn or otherwise destroyed through normal use. Similarly,tacking, taping and other mounting methods can damage the corners ofdocuments. Such untimely destruction can unnecessarily shorten theuseful life of the document, book, etc. Unfortunately, no known deviceexisted prior to the present invention which provided an inexpensive,easily mountable, non-yellowing protection device which providescontinuing protection to corners. Often, paperback books and novels, orother documents which are read and used repeatedly over long periods oftime, had to be replaced or simply discarded. The present inventionprovides an inexpensive, convenient device which protects and/or repairsthe corners of a book or document, for example, to greatly increase theuseable life of the book or document. The present invention furtherprovides methods for inexpensively and efficiently mass-producing thecorner protectors.

[0006] The only known devices which utilize a structure and an adhesivecapable of bonding to a corner are (1) Mounting Corners manufactured byLight Impressions of Rochester, N.Y., shown graphically at FIG. 19a, and(2) Vinyl Corners made by Pioneer Photo Albums, Inc., of Chatsworth,Calif., shown graphically at FIG. 19b. Neither of these products teachesthe inventions described herein. The Light Impressions product consistsof a strip of plastic material with adhesive on the outer edges thereof.The Light Impressions product does not form a discreet corner pocket asdoes each embodiment of Applicant's invention. The Pioneer Photo productappears to be a vinyl product with a performed corner, but with adhesiveon a backside thereof. It is intended to mount pictures. It cannotprotect a corner because of the way the adhesive is preformed andbecause they are no flaps or other means to allow it to adhere properlyto a corner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides protection devices and methods forcorner protectors in many forms. A preferred embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a relatively firm strip or band of polymericmaterial which has been preformed having a corner pocket into which acorner to be protected can be inserted, and an adhesive area to adherethe strip to the book or other document or product to be protected,reinforced or repaired. The strip preferably has a flap extending from afold line about which the flap may be folded so that the flap can adhereto the book or document and provide further support and protection tothe document or book. The flap portion of the strip and the adhesive canbe positioned such that the flap adheres to either the front or backside of the book, or document. In certain instances, the protectivecorner has an area of view, which may include an advertisement, notice,logo, company name, security code, bar code, inventory, file number orany other useful information. Further, the protective corners of thepresent invention can be constructed of translucent or opaque coloredmaterial so that files, documents, etc., can be readily organized andretrieved by color coordination.

[0008] The present invention also provides methods to efficientlyproduce the devices of the present invention in mass quantities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIGS. 1 through 4 are different views of preferred embodiment oneof the device of the present invention.

[0010]FIGS. 5 through 8 are different views of preferred embodiment twoof the device of the present invention.

[0011]FIGS. 9 through 12 are different views of preferred embodimentthree of the device of the present invention.

[0012]FIGS. 13 and 14 are different views of preferred embodiment fourof the device of the present invention.

[0013]FIGS. 15 and 16 are different views of preferred embodiment fiveof the device of the present invention.

[0014]FIGS. 17 and 18 are different views of preferred embodiment six ofthe device of the present invention.

[0015]FIGS. 19a and 19 b are representations of devices in the priorart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The preferred embodiment of the present invention takes on manyforms, as shown in the attached drawing FIGS. 1 through 18. Each will bedescribed herein. Throughout this patent, reference is made toapplication of the present invention to books or other documents. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is at least equallyapplicable to any other thing which requires corner reinforcement,repair, or protection, such as album covers, disk jackets, posters,prospectuses, folders, posted notices, memos, etc. Further, the size andthickness of each embodiment can vary significantly, depending on theintended application. Additionally, in each embodiment, the exposedsurface of the protector, when applied, can carry an advertisement,company name, logo, design, or any other information, as desired.

Preferred Embodiment 1

[0017] The first preferred embodiment of the present invention isdesignated generally 10 in FIGS. 1 through 4. This embodiment includes asubstantially rectangular band 12 of firm material having an operationalsurface 13, a top edge 14, bottom edge 15, and opposing edges 11. Twoseparate strips of adhesive 17 extend from each edge 11 substantiallyacross band 12. An adhesive cover 21 of the same size as band 12 isremovably attached to adhesive stripe 17 for removal upon application ofband 12. Band 12 also has two seams 19 a, 19 b each extending from top14 to bottom 15 at bond 12 at 90° with respect to one another.

[0018] Corner protector 10 is used by aligning the apex 20 of seams 19a, 19 b at the apex of a corner 22 of a book or other document. Adhesivecover 21 is removed. Band 12 is then adhered to the corner 22 such thatthe corner apex 23 aligns with seam apex 20. Then, the areas of band 12distal of seams 19 a, 19 b are folded about seams 19 a, 19 b such thatthe adhesive strip portions adhere to the corner 22. Corner 22 is thetherefore protected against mutilation and premature wearing. Band 12 isformed of acid-free polypropylene or other firm polymeric material whichis clear, resilient and non-yellowing. Of course, as with eachembodiment of the present invention, band 12 may be formed of anysturdy, firm material resistant to mutilation from normal use.

Preferred Embodiment 2

[0019] This preferred embodiment is designated generally 30 in FIGS. 5through 8. This embodiment includes a band 32 in the shape as shownbeing symmetrical about a centerline and being shoe-shaped on each sidethereof. An upper section 32 is generally rectangular and a lowersection 34 is generally rectangular with rounded corners 35 on the uppersides thereof, as shown. Band 32 has an operational surface 33 whichabuts the book page 42 surface to be protected. A plurality of adhesiveareas 36 are preferred on surface 33 for contact with and adhesion topage 42. Each area 36 has an adhesive cover 38 which can be readilypeeled away to expose the adhesive. Upper section 32 also has adhesiveareas 38. Adhesive areas 38 are preferably T-shaped and comprise onecontinuous area or two L-shaped areas back-to-back, as shown. Areas 38also have a corresponding cover 39 which may be readily peeled away toexpose the adhesive surfaces. Band 33 has two seams 41 a, 41 b runningfrom a center point at the tope of upper section 32 to approximately thelower corners 37 a, 37 b of lower section 34 in 90° relation to oneanother, such that outer portions of band 32 may easily fold along seams41 a, 41 b.

[0020] Embodiment 2 of corner protector invention 30 is used as follows.The corner 45 of a document 42 sought to be protected is placed in loosealignment with apex 47 and seams 41 a, 41 b. At that time, adhesivecovers 38 are removed from areas 36 and lower section 34 of band 32 isadhered to document 42. Then, cover 39 may be removed to expose adhesivearea 38. At that time, both upper section 32 and lower section 34 outerportions can be folded about seams 41 a, 41 b, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8,to adhere to and stabilize cover 45 of document 42. This embodimentcovers a relatively small area of the protected corner, in thosesituations where that may be necessary or important.

Preferred Embodiment 3

[0021] This preferred embodiment is designated generally 50 in FIGS. 9through 12. This embodiment 50 consists generally of a lower rectangularportion 51 and upper triangular portion 52, with the apex of the upperportion 52 removed, as seen best in FIG. 9. Lower portion 51 has anadhesive strip 53 across substantially all of that area, and having apeelable protection strip 54 thereon.

[0022] Embodiment 50 includes the following features. Two fold lines orseams 55 a, 55 b run from the lower corners of lower portion 51 to thecorner of the cutout section of upper portion 52, and are situated in90° relation to one another, as shown in FIG. 9. Two slits 56 a, 56 bexist in upper portion 52, as seen in FIG. 10, resulting in four flaps58 a, 58 b and 59 a, 59 b. Each flap 58 a, 58 b, 59 a, 59 b includes anadhesive section on an operational surface thereof having a protectivepeelable cover attached thereto. The operational surface is the surfacewhich will contact the corner to be protected.

[0023] As best seen with reference to FIGS. 10 through 12, embodiment 50is used in the following manner. Flap 58 b is folded along seam 55 b.Flap 58 a is then folded along seam 55 a such that the adhesive on flap58 a adheres to the back side of flap 58 b, thus forming a corner pocket60. Once formed, the corner of document 63 is inserted into pocket 60until properly aligned. Once properly aligned, the adhesive strips onflaps 59 a, 59 b are exposed and the flaps are folded to adhere todocument 63, as best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The adhesive of lowerrectangular portion 51 may also be exposed to adhere to document 63. Theadhesive may be continuous or discreet smaller portions.

[0024] This embodiment is especially preferred due to its ease ofmanufacture. This embodiment allows the protector to be easilymass-produced in a single run. Because of the overlap of flaps 58 a over58 b, the protector can be manufactured with a pre-formed corner veryreadily. To do so, a suitably sized strip 50 is cut or delineated from alarger source of suitable material. The strip is formed with the seams55 a, 55 b. The adhesive strips are adhered. Importantly, an adhesive 57is placed on the operational side of flap 58 a. No adhesive protectivecover is placed on adhesive patch 57. Instead, when ready, flap 58 b isfolded along seam 55 b and then flap 58 a is folded along seam 55 a.Adhesive 57 then adheres to the back side of flap 58 b to create apre-formed corner for perfect alignment with a corner. With such aproduct design and system, it is believed the product can be readilymass-produced with very little if any human involvement in forming thepre-formed corner, making production of the product very economical.

Preferred Embodiment 4

[0025] This preferred embodiment is designated generally 70 in FIGS. 13and 14. Embodiment 4 of corner protector 70 comprises a generallyrectangular strip 72 of firm, preferably polymeric, material which isacid-free and non-yellowing. Strip 72 has an operational surface 73, top74, bottom 75 and opposing edges 76. Extending a predetermined distancedownward toward bottom 75 from top 74 are slits 77 a, 77 b spacedequidistantly from the center of top 74. Protector 70 further includesseams 78 a, 78 b preformed into surface 73, and extending from thecenter of top 74 to the corners of bottom 75 and in 90° relation to oneanother. Adhesive strips 80 a, 80 b, 80 c, 80 d are located across theupper portion of operational surface 73 as shown.

[0026] In use, protector 70 is placed in position so that a corner 87 ofa document is substantially aligned with the center of top 74 ofprotector 70 and seams 78 a, 78 b. First triangular flap 82 a is foldedover so that it adheres to a surface of corner 87. Next, triangular flap82 b is folded over to adhere to the surface or corner 87. Then, flaps84 a, 84 b are folded over along seams 78 a, 78 b to adhere to,stabilize and protect corner 87, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Preferred Embodiment 5

[0027] The Preferred Embodiment 5 is designated generally 90 in FIGS. 15and 16. Embodiment 5 of corner protector 90 comprises a generallyT-shaped band of material 92. Band 92 has top horizontal portion 93 andbottom vertical portion 94, depending therefrom. At approximately thelower-most portion of bottom portion 94, is an adhesive strip 96.Adhesive strip 96 can be an elongated strip, as shown, on one or morediscreet adhesive pieces. The inclusion of bottom portion 94, andadhesive strip 96 thereon, provides for increased durability andstability to the protective corner when mounted to its target. Protector90 also includes preformed seams 97 a, 97 b. Seams 97 a, 97 b extenddownwardly from the center of the top edge of top portion 93, in 90°relation to one another. Top portion 93 also includes adhesive strip 99across the very top section thereof.

[0028] In use, protector 90 is positioned to be adhered to a corner asfollows. Top portion 93 is folded along seams 97 a, 97 b so that acorner is formed. At this point, adhesive protector 95 of adhesive strip99 is still in place. The corner formed of protector 90 is fitted overthe corner 100 to be protected. Then, the lower adhesive protector 101is removed and lower portion 94 is adhered to the book or corner 100 tobe protected. Flaps 98 a, 98 b defined by seams 97 a, 97 b are thenfolded back along seams 97 a, 97 b and adhesive protective corner 95 isremoved. Lastly, flaps 98 a, 98 b are folded over to adhere to book orcorner 100, securing protector 90 in place to protect the book or corner100, as best seen with reference to FIG. 16.

Preferred Embodiment 6

[0029] Preferred embodiment 6 is designated generally 110 in FIGS. 17and 18. Embodiment 6 of protector 110 comprises a generally square bandof material 112. Band 112 has a top edge 113, a bottom edge 114, andoperational surface 115. Two slits 116 a, 116 b depend downwardly fromtop edge 113 equidistantly from a center of top edge 113, approximatelypreferably ½ inch. Two seams 117 a, 117 b are preformed in material 112depending from the center of top edge 113 to the bottom of slits 116 a,116 b, such that seams 117 a, 117 b are at a right angle to one another.Seams 117 a, 117 b, and slits 116 a, 116 b define flaps 118 a, 118 b,and tabs 119 a, 119 b. Each of flaps 118 a, 118 b, and 119 a and 119 bhas an adhesive strip thereon with a protective, removable covering.

[0030] In use, protector 110 is positioned to be adhered to and protecta corner as follows. Top edge 113 and the apex of seams 117 a, 117 b,are placed near the corner. Flaps 118 a, 118 b are folded over alongseams 117 a, 117 b. With one flap 118 a or 118 b folded over theadhesive protective covering of the other is removed to expose theadhesive. That flap 118 b or 118 a, is then adhered to the corner.Subsequently, the other flap is adhered to the corner in a similarmanner. Then, the adhesive strips of tabs 119 a, 119 b are removed andfolded about seams 118 a, 118 b to adhere to and reinforce the corner.

Additional Features Applicable to the Various Embodiments

[0031] As stated, several preferred embodiments include a pocket,pre-formed or otherwise, in the shape of a right triangle. On eachembodiment, an adhesive may be used to apply the protective corner tothe target document. However, in each such embodiment, the protectivecorner may be constructed so as to allow insertion and temporary holdingof another document within the protector when in use.

[0032] This feature will be described, for instance, with reference toFIGS. 9-12. In FIG. 9 and 10, protective corner includes flaps 58 a and59 b which fold over upon one another and form a pocket. The protectormay include an adhesive exposed within an interior of the formed pocketto secure the protector to a corner. However, a desirable feature insuch an embodiment may be to include an adhesive on only the bottomsurface within the pocket. Or the user could simply leave the adhesivecover strip on the adhesive so that it does not expose the adhesive. Ineither case, this feature would allow easy insertion and the securing ofa corner into the pocket, but would also leave a top surface of thecorner of the document not adhered to this inside of the pocket. Assuch, another document, such as a business card, photo, or anything theuser may wish to associate with the document, could be temporarilyinserted into the pocket and be removably held in the corner protector.

[0033] Another feature possibly common to each preferred embodiment isthe use of opaque or translucent colored materials to construct thecorner protectors. This feature allows the protector to be fabricated inany different color, combination of colors, or design. This featurewould allow color-coded filing conveniences and organization while alsoproviding the protection to the documents.

[0034] Of course, it should be understood that various changes andmodifications to the preferred embodiments described herein will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Other changes and modifications,such as those expressed here or others left unexpressed but apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art, can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishingits attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changesand modifications be covered by the following claims.

1. A method of forming a corner protector comprising the steps of (a)providing a two-sided strip of material and having an operationalsurface and an outer surface, and a top and a bottom; (b) forming acorner pocket by (i) making two cuts depending from the topsubstantially equidistant from the center; (ii) forming two seams fromthe top center toward the bottom such that the seams are at a rightangle to one another and define two flaps; (iii) folding the flaps alongthe seams; (iv) securing the flaps together; and (c) placing adhesiveonto the operational surface to adhere to an object.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: placing a removable cover over the adhesiveto prevent unintended adhesion.
 3. A mountable corner protector producedby the method of claim 1 comprising: a strip of material including twopreformed creases situated at substantially right angles to one anotherdepending from a top edge and defining flaps and wherein the flaps maybe folded along said creases to define a corner pocket; at least oneextension from said pocket constituting an adherence portion forattachment to a corner to be protected; and an adhesive on saidextension for adhering said protector to said corner.
 4. The protectorof claim 3 wherein one of said flaps has an overlap portion whichoverlaps another of said flaps.
 5. The protector of claim 4 furthercomprising an adhesive on said overlap portion for self adhesion to theanother of said flaps.
 6. The protector of claim 3 wherein the materialis polypropylene.
 7. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material ispolymeric material.
 8. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material ispaper.
 9. The protector of claim 3 wherein the material is transparentmaterial.
 10. A mountable protector comprising: a strip of materialincluding a formed corner pocket having an exposed surface; at least oneextension from said pocket constituting a foldable flap for attachmentto a document to be protected; and a self-adhesive on said extension foradhering said protector to said document.
 11. The corner protector ofclaim 10 further comprising advertising on said exposed surface.
 12. Thecorner protector of claim 10 further comprising predetermined graphicinformation adorning the exposed surface.
 13. The corner protector ofclaim 10 further comprising predetermined information printed on saidexposed surface.
 14. The corner protector of claim 3 wherein theprotector is formed of a colored translucent material.
 15. The cornerprotector of claim 3 wherein the protector is formed of a colored opaquematerial.
 16. A method of forming a corner protector comprising thesteps of (a) providing a two-sided strip of material having a length andwidth, and having an operational surface and an outer surface, and atop; and a bottom; (b) forming a pocket by (i) making two cuts dependingfrom the top; (ii) forming two seams from the top toward the bottom suchthat the seams are at an angle to one another; (iii) creating two flapsdefined by the two cuts, the two seams, and the top; (iv) folding theflaps along the seams; and (v) securing the flaps together to form apocket; and (c) placing adhesive onto the operational surface to adhereto an object.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the strip issubstantially rectangular.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the lengthof the strip is up to approximately 2 inches, and the width is up toapproximately 1.5 inches.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the twocuts depending from the top are made substantially equidistant from acenter thereof.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the seams aresubstantially at a right angle to one another.
 21. The method of claim16 further comprising placing a removable cover over the adhesive toprevent unintended adhesion.